Self-contained sanitary closet for vehicles or the like

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a sanitary closet for vehicles or the like. Separate reservoirs are provided for the waste and the flushing fluid. During the flushing cycle, a shutter at the bowl outlet is closed to divert the flushing fluid from the waste reservoir to a collection sump spaced around and below the waste outlet of the bowl. A sump pump returns the fluid to the fluid reservoir. The operation of the sump and shutter is regulated by a sequence control timer. The timer is driven by a spring motor and is restrained by a dash pot. The timing interval may be varied by changing the size of a bypass orifice provided in the dash pot.

United States Patent Howard Jan. 7, 1975 [54] SELF-CONTAINED SANITARYCLOSET 3,611,447 10/1971 Howard 4/10 O HI O THE LIKE 3,748,663 7/1973Hiller 4/115 [76] Inventor: Durrell Unger Howard, 306

Krameria Dr., San Antonio, Tex. 78213 [22] Filed: Oct. 10, 1973 [21]Appl. N0.: 405,214

[52] U.S. Cl 4/10, 4/77, 4/78, 4/1 15 [51] Int. Cl. E03d 11/02, E03d11/00, B60r 16/04 [58] Field of Search 4/10, 1, 115, 77, 76, 78, 4/85,93,116, 90

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,054,117 9/1962 Calla 4/1153,289,214 12/1966 Corliss 3,418,664 12/1968 Carmichael... 3,609,77210/1971 Howard 3,611,446 10/1971 Howard 4/10 Primary Examiner-Henry K.Artis Attorney, Agent, or FirmPollock, Philpitt & Vande Sande [57]ABSTRACT The disclosure relates to a sanitary closet forvehicles or thelike. Separate reservoirs are provided for the waste and the flushingfluid. During the flushing cycle, a shutter at the bowl outlet is closedto divert the flushing fluid from the waste reservoir to a collectionsump spaced around and below the waste outlet of the bowl. A sump pumpreturns the fluid to the fluid reservoir. The operation of the sump andshutter is regulated by a sequence control timer. The timer is driven bya spring motor and is restrained by a dash pot. The timing interval maybe varied by changing the size of a bypass orifice provided in the dashpot.

17 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures Patented Jan. 7, 1975 6 SheetsSheet 1 FIG.3

Patented Jan. 7, 1975 3,858,249

6 Sheets-Sheet 2 f Patented Jan. 7, 1975 3,858,249

6 Sheets-Sheet S Patented Jan. 7, 1975 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Jan.'7,1975 3,858,249

6 Sheets-Sheet 5 SELF-CONTAINED SANITARY CLOSET FOR VEHICLES OR THE LIKEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With increasing emphasis on avoidance ofpollution in streams and lakes, it is becoming mandatory in manylocalities to provide a sanitary closet for use in boats, campers,camping trailers, and the like which is so constructed as to prohibitthe discharge of waste material, and particularly human waste material.Although vehicle closets have been developed and are in use in aircraftand buses, which are the flush type and which provide for storage ofwaste material until it can be removed from the closet, such toilets ofthe prior art have numerous disadvantages. For example, in sanitaryclosets used in modernday aircraft, flushing water is provided and alsomeans for separating solid waste materials from liquid waste materials;however no means is provided for separating liquid waste materials fromthe flushing water with the result that the flushing water becomesgrossly contaminated after even moderate use of the closet. Even thoughsuch closets employ a means for chemically treating the flush water, itis common for the flush water to become contaminated very quicklydespite such treatment, which results in an unsanitary and odorouscondition. Due to the problems associated with contaminated flushingfluids, several of vehicle sanitary closets have been developed whichseparate the flushing fluid from the waste material so as to maintainthe flushing fluid separate from the waste reservoir. An example of thistype of sanitary closet is disclosed in my U.S. Pat. 3,609,772. However,the widespread use of motorized vehicles has resulted in a substantialdemand for smaller portable closets. These smaller units are in heavydemand for executive aircraft, for vehicular campers and for small boatsunder 30 feet in length. The prior art devices which separate theflushing fluid from the waste are physically too large to be utilized inmany of these applications.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION It is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide a sanitary closet for a vehicle having themaximum possible capacity for a given unit of space. The closet isdivided into three compartments, the lower compartment being wastestorage, the middle compartment being a sump, and the upper compartmentbeing a reservoir for the flushing fluid. As the flushing fluid collectsin the sump, a separate pump picks up the fluid and returns it to thetop tank or flushing fluid reservoir located around the upper perimeterof the closet bowl. This allows all of the capacity of the bottomholding tank to be used for waste storage. This combination of top andbottom reservoirs, wherein the bowl flushing fluid is reused over andover again, with negligible contamination, maximizes hygieniccleanliness, space utilization, water usage and the best possibleutilization of the limited waste holding tank capacity necessary in acompact completely self-contained unit.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improvedpumping arrangement whereby a single motor operates both the flushingpump and the sump pump at the same time. The pump is located above thebottom sump in a dry compartment. The armature shaft extends from bothends of the motor with the bottom shaft driving the sump pump in adirect one-to-one ratio. The top shaft extends above the flushing liquidreservoir, and drives a flushing pump at a reduced speed. Thisarrangement provides a greater pumping capacity for the sump pump whichis necessary to provide proper scavaging of the sump at all times. Thistwin pump assembly also features a method of declutching the flush pumpprior to the motor cut-off to allow the sump pump to pick up allremaining flushing fluid in the sump and return it to the top container.This insures a relatively dry sump when the closet is not in use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an automaticsequencing control unit that will activate the shutter, the pump motor,and the declutching arrangement between the sump pump and the flushpump. This unit is a springwound timer having a plurality of timing camswhich is wound by opening the closet lid. The timing cycle is regulatedby means of a dash pot which restrains the release of the timer springduring the timing cycle. The length of the timing cycle can be regulatedby varying the size of the orifice used in the dash pot retarder. Thissequencing control unit uses a plurality of rotatable and axiallyshifting cams to provide proper energization or actuation of the shutterand pumps at the proper intervals.

The sanitary closet of the present invention is provided with a coverwhich normally overlies the seat and is preferably hinged to the outercasing; A mechanical interconnection is provided which couples the coverto the sequencing control unit, and from the sequencing control unit tothe shutter. The shutter in its normal position blocks communicationbetween the bowl and the waste compartment. When the toilet is to beused, the cover or lid is raised and this opens the shutter therebyproviding communication between the bowl and waste receptacle. As thelid or cover is closed, the sequencing control unit is activated and theflushing pump provides a pre-rinse of the interior of the bowl while theshutter is open. The sequencing unit then allows the shutter to beclosed and the bulk of the flushing action is carried on with theshutter closed. The'shutter and the outlet means divert the flushingfluid from the waste outlet into the separate sump reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic andcross-sectioned view of the present invention. It illustrates the closetbefore use.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic and cross-sectioned view of the presentinvention with the lid raised and the shutter opened. The closet is nowready for use.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic and cross-sectioned view of the presentinvention in use.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic and cross-sectional view of the presentinvention illustrating the pre-rinse flushing cycle.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic and cross-sectioned view of the presentinvention. The bowl is being flushed, and the shutter is diverting theflushing fluid to the sump for return to the fluid reservoir.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic and cross-sectioned view of the presentinvention after completion of the flushing cycle.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the sequencing control unit illustrating therotatable cams, spring means, switch means, and dash pot retarder.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the sequencing control unit as illustrated inFIG. 7, wherein the spring means in the timer has been wound foroperation.

FIG. 9 is an end view of the sequencing control unit illustrated in FIG.7 wherein the timing cycle has commenced.

FIG. 10 is an isometric and exploded view of the sequencing control unitof the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectioned view of a portion of the sequencing controlunit.

FIG. 12 is an end view of another portion of the sequencing controlunit. This view illustrates the shutter crank and the main drivingcranks.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the tri-doors used as a liquid and vapor sealin the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectioned view taken along section lines 1414 of FIG.13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectioned view of the pump means of the presentinvention illustrating both the flush pump and the sump pump.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view illustrating the axially shiftable camsutilized in the sequencing control unit.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectioned and diagrammatic view of the release camsused in the sequencing control unit wherein the release cam is engaged.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectioned and diagrammatic view of the release cam ofthe sequencing control unit wherein the cam is about to be disengaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1,the present invention uses three vertically aligned compartments. Thebulk of the toilet comprises a lower waste storage compartment 11 whichis adapted to receive and store the maximum amount of waste possible forthe available volume. The intermediate compartment 12 is used as acollection sump to collect flushing fluid when the unit is in operation.In order to conserve space, the flushing fluid reservoir 13 is mountedin the upper periphery of the unit and completely surrounds the bowlmember 31. Bowl member 31 defines an outwardly-opening upper inlet and alower waste outlet 14.

The unit is designed to be molded from synthetic resin to make it aslight and durable as possible. Since weight is of a primaryconsideration, the unit is engineered to minimize weight while providingmaximum structural rigidity. As indicated in FIG. 1, the bowl member 31defines around its outer periphery 31a the inner sidewall of fluidreservoir 13. The outer sidewall 13a of the fluid reservoir alsodefines, at least along a portion of its periphery, the outer wall ofthe cabinet which encloses the closet.

A sequencing control unit 25 is mounted in the rear of the unit and isactuated by the opening of the lid through bellcrank 100. A shuttermeans 34 is disposed adjacent the lower outlet 14 of bowl 31 to closecommunication between the bowl and the waste storage reservoir duringthe major portion of the flushing cycle. Shutter 34 is opened and closedby means of a shutter crank 77 and connecting link 35. Shutter 34 ispivoted to open to the position illustrated in FIG. 2 when the lid 20 isopened.

A tri-door 18 is used as a flexible seal for the waste storage container11. This unit provides both a liquid and gas seal for the closet innormal operation.

The waste storage receptacle is similarly formed of a one piece molding15 having an outlet 16 from which the waste material may be pumped whenthe vehicle is at rest. A pump means 32 is also provided to evacuate theflushing fluid from sump area 12 and return it to the flushing fluidreservoir 13.

The cycle of operation is as follows. FIGS. 1 through 6 illustrate thepresent invention in various modes or stages or operation. In FIG. I,the device is at rest, awaiting use. In FIG. 2, the lid 20 has beenraised, thereby cocking or winding the spring motor in the sequencecontrol units 25 and opening shutter 34 through bellcrank 77 and linkage35. It should be noted that shutter 34 is biased by a resilient means(not shown) to the closed position of FIG. 1. It is opened to theposition illustrated in FIG. 2 by means of bellcrank 77. The upperperiphery 17 of the bowl member 31 defines a seat for the user. Thetri-door seal 18 is normally closed. It is biased to its closed positionby a plurality of weights which provide a counterbalance for the sealingdoors. They provide a one-way check valve or backvalve" to prevent thebacksplash of waste mate rial in reservoir 11 through the bowl outlet 14into the general vicinity of seat 17 and bowl 31. Since the presentinvention is quite often used when the vehicle is in motion, it isnecessary to prevent direct communication between the waste reservoirand the seat and bowl area.

FIG. 3 illustrates the device in use wherein the waste material hasdisplaced the flexible door 18 and is deposited in the waste receptacle11. It should be noted that the tri-doors 18 are opened by the weight ofthe waste material passing therethrough, and they remain open for only ashort period of time. The counterbalance weights return the doors to theposition illustrated in FIG. 2 as soon as the waste material has passedinto the storage reservoir 11.

The flush cycle starts automatically when the lid is closed asillustrated in FIG. 4. A pre-rinse or clean rinse cycle is used to flushlarge pieces of residue or paper from the bowl or flexseal in theholding tank. During this cycle the flushing fluid is pumped fromreservoir 13 through the pump means 32 and flushing conduit 33 to theinterior of the bowl surface as indicated by the arrow A.

The major portion of the flushing cycle is conducted as illustrated inFIG. 5. Immediately after the pre-rinse cycle, a release cam in sequencecontrol unit 25 releases bellcrank 77 and allows the resilient means toclose shutter 34 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thereafter, shutter 34diverts the flushing fluid illustrated by the arrow A into the sump area12 as indicated .by the two arrows B. From sump area 12, the flushingfluid is recirculated to the flushing fluid reservoir 13 by means of asump pump 32. Thus the hygienic goal of rinsing is accomplished byrecirculating out of aseparate reservoir and never allowing therecirculated flushing fluid to communicate directly with the wastematerial in the waste holding tank.

During the last portion of the flushing cycle, the pump means 32 hasceased to drive the flush pump, and liquid no longer passes through theflushing conduit 33 and into bowl 31. However, the sump pump continuesto function to pump the remaining liquid present in sump 12 to reservoir13 as indicated in FIG. 6. This portion of the flushing cycle isintended to return all of the flushing fluid to the reservoir 13 toprevent the possibility of accumulated liquid in the sump area fromsplaching into bowl 31 or against seat 17 while the closet is in use. Aswas pointed out previously, the sump means 32 has a reduction drivebetween the sump pump and the flush pump to provide approximately doublethe pumping capacity for the sump pump portion of pump means 32. Thisinsures that no residual liquid is trapped in sump 12 at the completionof the pumping cycle.

The tri-door arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. In viewingthe tri-door structure from above, as illustrated in FIG. 14, thecircular outlet opening 14 is blocked by three tri-door sections l8a-18cwhich come to a central point or apex as indicated at 19. Each of thesections l8a-l8c slope inwardly and downwardly to the apex 19 asillustrated in FIG. 14. Each of the sections 1811-180 is also providedwith a downwardly extending flange member such as flange 20a for section18a and flange 20b for section 18b. These vertical flanges abut oneanother when the tri-door is closed to provide a longitudinal seal thatassists in the sealing of the waste compartment 11.

Each of the sections l8a-l8c is mounted on a U- shaped frame member2la-2lc. These U-shaped members are pivoted as indicated at 22a-22c toprovide for downward displacement of the sections I8a18c when waste isdeposited thereon. Each of the sections l8a-I8c is returned to theposition illustrated in FIG. 13 by means of counterbalancing weights23a-23c. The counterbalancing weight 23a is illustrated in FIG. 14attached to the U-shaped arm means 21a. The entire tri-door arrangementis secured by means of pivot means 22a-22c to a frame means 24 whichsurround the tri-door and provides structural support therefor.

THE SEQUENCE CONTROL UNIT The sequence control unit for the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 12, and 16 through 19. It isessential during the operation of the closet to coordinate the followingsteps:

I. The opening and closing of the toilet lid.

2. The opening and closing of the bowl shutter.

3. The energization and de'energization of the flushing pump.

4. The energization and de-energization of the sump pump.

5. Providing the manual overide means for energization of the pump motorcontrol unit.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate the relative angular rotation of the various timingcams involved in the sequence control unit. FIG. is an exploded view ofthe entire sequence control unit. FIGS. 11 and 12 are crosssectional anddetailed views of portions of the sequence control unit.

The sequence control unit is actuated by opening and closing the toiletlid. The unit uses a spring powered timer driven by a helically coiledand wound spring. The spring motor is retarded by a fluid dash pot. Theangular rotation of the spring motor is translated through severaltiming cams and locking devices which are either fixed or rotatingduring various portions of the timing cycle. The operation of the timermay be divided into two separate phases. The first phase involves theangular rotation of the various cams which energize and de-energize theflush pump, the sump pump, and the clutch linking the two pumps. Thesecond phase of the timer operation involves the locking and drivingcams which regulate the angular rotation of the timing cams.

In the first phase of the sequence control unit operation, the unit:

l. Energizes and de-energizes the pump motor.

2. Energizes and de-energizes a clutch linking the pump motor and sumpwith the flushing pump.

3. Actuates the closing of the bowl shutter.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the timing cams at rest. The closet lid isdown and the device is ready for use. The timer, as illustrated in FIG.7, includes pump switch 40 and clutch switch 41. Pump switch 40 isactuated through bellcrank 42 by means of a cam follower 43 and a springmeans 44 which urges the cam followers into engagement with a drivingcam and a timing cam. Microswitch 41 is also actuated by means of a camfollowers 45 which extends outwardly to engage a second cam surface 51.As illustrated in FIG. 7, there are three axially spaced rotary camswhich operate cam followers 45 and 43. The main timing cam 46 hasindented on its outer peripheral circumference a pluralitu of timingramps-and lands. The first timing land 47 energizes the pumps for apre-flush cycle which occurs before the bowl shutter is closed. Thepumps are then de-energized by means of cam ramp 48 for a short intervalwhile the bowl shutter is closed. After the shutter is closed, the pumpmotor is re-energized by means of land 49 and allowed to run for theduration of the timing cycle. The pump motor is finally de-energized bymeans of ramp 50.

Cam follower 45 normally rised on a coextensive and coaxial portion 46awhich extends axially of the main timing cam 46. Member 46a also hasformed therein another cam ramp 51 which energizes and de-energizes theclutch linking the sump pump and the flush pump.

As indicated in FIG. 7, when the timer is at rest, microswitch 40 isopen and microswitch 41 is closed. The pump motor will be energized whenmicroswitch 40 is closed. The clutch, which is normally engaged, will bedisengaged when microswitch 41 is closed. The interaction of the pumpmotor, the flush pump, the sump pump, and the clutch linking the twowill be hereinafter described with respect to FIG. 15.

The timing means includes a spring drive 52 and a dash pot retarder 53.Spring means 52 is a helically wound coil spring which is wound, andthen cocked" to energize the timer. The dash pot retarding meansincludes a piston which reciprocates within a closed cylinder 54 whichis partially filled with a viscous hydraulic fluid. Piston member 55includes an orifice 56 which restricts the rate at which the viscousfluid 58 is allowed to pass through piston member 55. The length of thetiming cycle is determined by the size of orifice 56. The timing cyclemay be lengthened by restricting the size of the orifice, or shortenedby enlarging the orifice. Alternately, piston member 55 may be sized soas to permit a pass-through region around the outer periphery of thepiston as indicated at 59.

When it is desired to energize the timing means, a bellcrank connectedto the closet lid (not shown in FIG. 7) will rotate the main driving cam60 counterclockwise as illustrated in FIG. 7. As the driving cam 60 isrotated, crank means 61 will drive the reciprocating connecting rod 62downwardly as indicated by the arrow. A in FIG. 7. This will drivepiston 55 downwardly through the viscous fluid 58 displacing it throughorifice 56 to the upward side of the piston.

FIG. 8 illustrates the cams with the closet lid open. As the lid isopened, the sequence control unit rotates the main drive cam 60 and thetiming cam 46 in the direction indicated by the arrow B. After the camshave rotated through the angle illustrated in FIG. 8, a spring lock 63engages a locking recess 64 defined in the outer periphery of timing cam46. The timer has now been wound and is locked in a cocked position. Itshould be noted that driving cam 60 has an exterior peripheral surface60a which restrains cam followers 43 to prevent the closing ofmicroswitch 40 and the energization of the pump motor during the openingof the closet lid. Cam follower 43 is so sized that it rides on theouter peripheral surfaces of both the drive cam 60 and the timing cam46. Thus the peripheral portion 60a of drive cam 60 prevents the camfollower from engaging the timing lands or ramps 47-50 of timing cam 46.

During this same period of rotation, microswitch 41, which is normallyclosed, has been opened by virtue of cam surface 51 and cam follower 45.The opening of microswitch 41 engages the clutch means linking the sumppump motor with the flush pump. During the period of rotationestablished by cam surface 51, the sump pump and flush pump are clutchedtogether so that any energization of the pump motor by virtue of theclosing of microswitch 40 results in the simultaneous operation of boththe flush pump and the sump pump.

FIG. 9 illustrates the position of the timing cams after the lid hasbeen closed, but before the flush-rinse cycle commences. As the closetlid is closed, the driving cam 60 is rotated in a clockwise manner asindicated by the arrow C, but the timing cam 46 remains locked in placeby virtue of spring lock 63 and recess 64. As the driving cam 60 reachesthe position illustrated in FIG. 9, cam surface 65. lifts spring lock 63from the recessed portion 64 allowing the timing cam 46 to be rotated ina clockwise direction by spring means 52. Simultaneously, as the drivecam 60 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 9, a second spring lock66 engages the drive cam 60 in the recessed portion 67 defined in theexterior surface of cam member 60.

As spring lock 63 is lifted from the recess 64, the timing cam 46 isfree to rotate in a clockwise manner. Timing cam 46 is driven in aclockwise manner by virtue of spring 52, but is restrained by dash pot53 through the connecting rod 62 and crank means 61. Referring again toFIG. 7, piston means 55 is now at the lower portion of cylinder 54, anda substantial amount of hydraulic fluid 58 is trapped between piston 55and the upper end ,of cylinder 54. As timing cam 46 is rotated clockwiseby spring means 52, the hydraulic fluid is forced downwardly throughorifice 56 to the lower portion of the reservoir. The size of theorifice and the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid 58 determine theangular rate of rotation for the timing cam 46. By varying the size oforifice 56, one may establish a longer or shorter timing cycle for thetimer.

As the driving cam 60 is rotated into place as illustrated in FIG. 9, itis locked in place by means of spring lock 66. A recessed land portion60b is now placed immediately under cam follower 43. As the timing cam46 is driven through its timing cycle, cam follower 43 will now be freeto follow the lands and ramps 47-50 defined on the exterior surface ofcam member 46.

As timing cam 46 rotates clockwise, cam follower 43 falls into the firstland 47 and closes the microswitch 40 thereby energizing the pump motor.At this point in time, the pump clutch is also engaged since camfollower 45 is riding on the surface of cam 51. Thus the sump pump andthe flush pump are clutched together and the operation of the pump motorthrough the closing of microswitch 40 establishes an initial pre-flushor pre-rinse that lasts for the duration of land 47. Since land 47 isrelatively short, and encompasses only a small degree of angularrotation, its flushing cycle is relatively short. It is intended to be apre-flush to rinse any residue or scraps of paper that may be on theinterior surface of the bowl or the tri-doors before the shutter isclosed.

As the timing cam 46 continues to rotate, ramp 48 engages the camfollower 43 to open switch 40 and deenergize the pump motor while theshutter door is closed. The shutter door closes very quickly through arelease cam and a spring drive. The operation of the release cam will behereinafter later explained with respect to FIGS. 16 through 19. As thetiming cam 46 continues to rotate, cam follower 43 drops into land 49which re-energizes the flush pump and sump pump. At this point, theflushing fluid is being circulated around the inner periphery of thebowl above the shutter and is directed into the sump. The sump pumpsimultaneously returns the flushing fluid to the flushing fluidreservoir.

As cam 46 continues to rotate, cam follower 45 will drop off the end ofcam 51 at a point midway through the land 49. At this point themicroswitch 41 is closed, and the clutch solenoid is energized tode-clutch the drive means between the pump motor and the flushing pump.When this clutch is disengaged, the flushing pump ceases to supply fluidto the bowl. However, since cam follower 43 is a still riding within thedepressed land 49, microswitch 40 is still energized and the sump pumpcontinues to operate. During the intervening period of time, between theend of cam surface 51 and the beginning of ramp 50, the sump pumpcontinues to return any flushing fluid present in the pump to thereservoir before the timer is deenergized.

At the end of the timing cycle, ramp 50 engages cam follower 43 to openmicroswitch 40 and de-energize the pump. Simultaneously, the crank means61 releases the spring lock 66 as indicated in FIG. 7 and the timer hascompleted a full cycle of timing operation.

The timing mechanism for the bowl shutter involves a plurality of camswhich are shifted axially by the rota tion of timing cam'46. Thismechanism is illustrated in FIG. 16 whichillustrates the shutterbellcrank 77, the main release shaft 78, and the release cam 79. Therelease cam is shifted axially by a plurality of cam faces on bothplaner faces of the relase cam. The release cam interacts on one sidewith a plurality of cam faces defined on the planar face of timing cam46 and on the other side with a plurality of fixed cams mounted on theinner sidewall of the casing 110.

Release cam 79 has defined thereon three outwardly projecting cam ramps80, 81 and 82 on one side (shown also in FIGS. 17-19) and threeoutwardly projecting cam ramps 83, 84 and 85 on the other side. Therelease cam 79 is illustrated in schematic form in FIGS. 17-19. Asindicated in FIG. 17, the directions indicated by the arrow D indicateaxial movement of the release cam 79 while the movement indicated by thearrow E indicates the angular rotation of cam 46.

Timing cam 46 also defines three protruding cam ramps 86, 87 and 88which interact with the release cam to rotate and release the shuttercrank 77.

Shutter bellcrank 77 is coupled to the release cam by means of theparallel spline arrangement illustrated in FIG. 16. Shaft 78 defines aplurality of hemispherical splines 78a-78f around the outer periphery ofshaft 78. Release cam 79 also defines three hemispherical splines, twoof which are illustrated in FIG. 16 as 79a and 79b. Each of the matchingsplines provides raceways for keyballs, two of which are illustrated as90 and 91 in FIG. 16. Keyballs 90 and 91 act as rotary keys which keythe release cam 79 to shaft 78 to prevent any angular movementtherebetween, while allowing full axial movement.

In operation the release cam is free to float between the cam surfacesdefined on the inner sidewalls of timing cam 46 and the cam surfacesdefined on the inner sidewall of the sequence control unit cabinet.During certain periods of angular rotation, the cam surfaces engage oneanother to reciprocate the release cam 79 axially along shaft 78. Whenrelease cam 79 has been shifted to its righthand position, asillustrated in FIG. 16, it engages the release cams formed on the innerside of timing shaft 46 and locks the timing cam 46 to the rotation ofshutter crank 77. When release cam 79 is free to reciprocate axially,the shutter crank 77 is released, and is free to return to its normalposition.

The operation of the timer in opening and closing the shutter is asfollows. FIGS. 17 and 18 correspond diagrammatically to FIGS. 7 and 8insofar as the rotational position of the various cam surfaces isconcerned. FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic illustration of a point in timeafter that portrayed in FIG. 9.

The opening and closing of the shutter is accomplished as follows.Referring to FIG. 12 as the lid is open, bellcrank 100 rotates the drivecrank within a crank slot 102 as illustrated in FIG. 10. The movement ofdrive crank 101 carries the spring crank 103 with it by virtue ofsprings 104, 105 and 106. As spring crank 103 is rotated in a clockwisedirection, curved surface 107 engages a matching curved surface definedon the periphery of shutter crank 77, thus rotating shutter crank 77 ina clockwise direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 16). Shutter crank 77 isconnected to the shutter means 34 by means of a crank arm 35. Shutter 34is also biased to a closed position by a resilient means, which is notillustrated in FIG. 12, but which urges the shutter 34 to a closedposition. Thus shutter crank 77 is continually urged into engagementwith the curved portion 107 of spring crank 103. As shutter crank 77 isrotated in a counterclockwise direction, as illustrated by FIG. 16, itrotates release cam 79 in a counterclockwise direction. The operation ofrelease cam 79 and its interaction with the cam surfaces defined on theinner wall of timer cam 46 and the exterior wall of the casing will beexplained with respect to FIGS. 17 through 19.

When the timer is at rest, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the release cam 79is free to rotate a small amount in either angular direction asindicated by the arrow F. It is also free to reciprocate axially to somedegree as indicated by the arrow D. FIG. 17 illustrates in adiagrammatical form the interrelationship of the various axial cams atthe point in time illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 18 illustrates the interrelationship of the various axial cams asthey would be at the point of time illustrated in FIG. 8. As illustratedin FIG. 18, the lid has been opened, and as the lid was opened crank 77and shaft 78 were rotated, rotating release cam 79 in the directionillustrated by the arrow G. AS the release cam 79 was rotated, itrotated timing cam 46 as cams 81-83 engaged cams 86-88 along theirvertical abutments 82a, 82b and 820. As the release cam 79 rotated tothe right as illustrated in FIG. 18, the ramp surfaces 83a, 84a and 85aengaged ramp surfaces 92a, 93a and 94a, displacing or shifting therelease cam 79 axially as indicated by the arrow H in FIG. 18. Thislateral shifting by virtue of the interaction between cams 83-85 and92-94 creates a positive engagement between release cam 79 and timingcam 46. The rotation of shaft 78 thereby results in the rotation oftiming shaft 46 to the position illustrated in FIG. 8. At this pointtiming cam 46 is locked in place by means of spring lock 63. As the lidis closed, the spring crank 103 rotates in a counterclockwise directionas illustrated in FIG. 12. As spring crank 193 rotates in thisdirection, the resilient biasing means urges shutter crank 77 intoengagement with the curved portion 107 of spring crank 103. At thispoint in time, the cam surfaces will take the position illustrated inFIG. 19. The release cam 79 is urged in the direction illustrated byarrow I by virtue of the resilient spring means exerting pressure onconnecting rod 35. However, bellcrank 77 is free to rotate only to alimited extent since the cam surfaces 80-82 come into immediate abutmentwith cam surfaces 80a, 81a, and 82a. As illustrated in FIG. 19, therelease cam is locked in place by the outer sidewall 110 and cams 92-94and engages the cam 46 and its axial cams 86-88. Similarly, at thispoint in time the rotation of shaft 78 and shutter crank 77 is alsoarrested and the shutter remains open.

Referring again to FIG. 9, when the drive cam 60 has been rotated to theposition illustrated in FIG. 9, it diseng'ages spring lock 63 fromtiming cam 46, allowing timing cam 46 to rotate against the constraintsof dash pot 53. As the timing cam 46 rotates in the direction of arrowJ, it allows release cam 79 to move to the left as illustrated in FIG.19 until cam members 83-85 are free to slide into the open spaces 92b,93b, and 94b illustrated in FIG. 19. Once the timer cam 46 and releasecam 79 have reached this point of angular rotation, the release cam 79becomes disengaged from timer cam 46 and release cam 79 is free to slideaxially as indicated by the arrow K, thereby releasing shaft 78 fromtimer cam 46. The release of release cam 79 allows shaft 78 and shuttercrank 77 to be rotated by the spring tensioning means for shutter 34.The shutter is closed at the approximate point in time in which therelease cam ramp faces 83a-85a reach the cam lands 92a-94a. This pointin time coincides with the upward ramp 48 defined on the outer peripheryof timing cam 46.

The various components of the sequence control unit and theirinterrelationship to one another is illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 isan exploded view of the sequence control unit, closet lid and bellcrank.The closet lid 20 is mounted on a pair of structural supports, one ofwhich is indicated at 21. Each of the structural supports defines aU-shaped bight having first 111 and second 112 arms. A keyed pin 113passes through a pair of openings 114 and 115 defined on either side ofthe U- shaped bight. The key 116 is used to key the lid 20 to bellcrank100. Bellcrank 100 defines an annular sleeve 117 which is adapted toreceive pin 113, and also defines a keyway 118 for receiving key 116.The sleeve member 117 is sized to rotate within the bearing support 119attached to the closet frame 120. In assembly, sleeve 117 and bellcrank100 are fitted through the opening 121 defined in bearing support 119.The U- shaped bight is then lowered over the bellcrank and bearingsupport and shaft 113 is inserted through openings 114, the sleeve 117and opening 115. Key member 116 locks the bellcrank 100 to the arm 21,while the outer bearing surface 117a rotates freely within the opening121.

Bellcrank 100 also defines a pin 100a which is designed to reciprocatewithin a slot 102 formed on the inner sidewall of drive crank 101. Asthe lid is opened, rotary motion is translated to bellcrank 100 which inturn translates the rotary motion through bellcrank 100 and slot 102 torotary motion for drive crank 101. R- tary motion on drive crank 101 istranslated to spring crank 103 by means of a plurality of springs 104,105 and 106 (not shown in FIG. The purpose of the spring link betweendrive crank 101 and spring crank 103 will be hereinafter laterexplained. It should be noted that drive crank 103 is sleeved by meansof sleeve portion 101a onto an intermediate sleeve 103a. 103a extendsthrough sleeve 101a and is journaled for rotation within opening 122.Sleeve member 103a is keyed to drive cam 60 by virtue of dogs 123 and124 which fit within the recesses 125 and 126 defined within sleeve103a. The remainder of the rotary components of the timer rotate aroundshaft 78 which is journaled for rotation within sleeve 103a. Shaft 78extends through sleeve 103a to drive cam 60, timing cam 46, and issplined to release cam 79 as hereinbefore previously discussed by virtueof keyballs 90, 91 and 91a. The end of shaft 78 is secured to theexterior wall 110 of the sequence control unit housing by means of pin109. Pin 109 extends through the opening 127 defined in the outersidewall of the timer. The main timer housing 108 also defines slots 128and 129 for securing the spring lock members 66 and 63. The dash potmeans 53 is secured to the timer casing 108 by means of a pair of pins,one of which is illustrated at 130 in the lower portion of casing 108.Pin 120 engages a recessed portion (not shown) on the bottom of dash pot53.

Spring means 52 is biased between a pin means 131 fixed to the casingsidewall, and a rotating pin 132 mounted on timing cam 46. Pin 132 isalso interconnected to the timing cam 46 at the same point as connectingrod 62. The main compressive and tension loads exerted by spring 52 anddash pot 53 are born by a single steel pin 133 which extends throughtimer cam 46. In this way it is not necessary to impose the stressesneeded to drive the timer on the cam itself. In addition to the switchbellcrank 42, the sequence control unit also includes a second switchbellcrank 134 which is mounted for rotation on a common shaft 135 withbellcrank 42. Shaft 135 extends from a boss 136 defined on the innersidewall of the timer casing to an opening 137 formed in the outersidewall of the casing on the opposite side. Shaft 135 also extends akeyed portion 138 which is adapted to receive bellcrank 139. Bellcrank139 is used to manually energize the pump motor by closing switch 40.Bellcrank 134 is resiliently biased away from pump switch 40 by springmeans 140. Likewise, cam follower 43 is biased into resilient engagementwith the cam surfaces of timing cam 46 and drive cam 60 by means ofresilient spring means 44.

The sleeved arrangements of the various component parts is illustratedin FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a crosssectioned view of the rotary components ofthe sequence control unit, including the rotary cams and cranks. As canbe seen from FIG. 11, shaft 78 forms a central core for the rotatingshafts of the timing mechanism. It is pinned to the outside wall 110 bymeans of pin 109. Casing 108 also defines a support boss 108a whichextends outwardly from the casing and provides a bearing support forthe'intermediate sleeve portion 103a of spring crank 103. As indicatedpreviously, drive crank 101 is sleeved as indicated at 101a, andjournaled for rotation about the exterior of sleeve 103a. Sleeve 103a isjournaled for rotation within boss 108a and forms the bearing supportfor shaft 78. Shaft 78 and sleeve 103a provide mutual support for oneanother within boss 108a.

The linear interrelationship of the release cam, and the inner cams ontiming cam 46 are also illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 illustrates afixed cam ramp 92 mounted on exterior wall 110 which extends axiallyinward towards release cam 79. Likewise, timing cam 46 includes a camramp 88 which extends inwardly towards release cam 79. Release cam 79shifts axially on the splined portion of shaft 78, and is locked toshaft 78 by means of keyball 90.

Means are also included to protect the sequence control unit from damagein the event an attempt is made to reopen the closet lid before theflushing cycle is completed. Referring to FIG. 10, when the closet lidis closed, spring lock 66 has firmly engaged drive cam 60 to prevent anymovement thereof during the timing cycle. Since drive cam 60 and springcrank 103 are keyed together, any attempt to open the lid while springlock 66 is engaged would damage the sequence control unit unlessprovision is made for safeguarding the components parts. If the closetlid is lifted, drive crank 101 will rotate, but spring crank 103 willremain locked in place. The spring means 104-106 absorb the tensionexerted by bellcrank 100 on spring crank 103. The closet lid may beopened approximately before the spring force becomes so great as toimpart a warning message to the user. The total resilient force exertedby springs 104-106 is sufficiently greater than that of timer spring 52and the shutter spring that during normal usage drive crank 101 andspring crank 103 rotate as a unit when the closet lid is lifted.

THE PUMP SYSTEM The pump system 32 includes a pump motor 150, a sumppump 151, and a flushing pump 152. The flushing pump is linked to thepump motor by means of a timing belt 154 and a clutch generallyindicated at 153. In operation, fluid is pumped from the fluid reservoir13 through the flush conduit 33 to the closet bowl 31 by means of flushpump 152. Likewise, fluid returning from the closet bowl 31 collects insump 12 and is returned through sump line 156 to the fluid reservoir 13by means of sump pump 151. Sump pump 151 includes an impeller housing157, an impeller 158, a fluid inlet 159 and a sump discharge line 156.Impeller 158 is powered by means of motor 150 through shaft 160. Thesump pump is directly driven at all times the motor is energized. Theshaft 160 is journaled for rotation within bearing 161, and passesthrough seal 162 which prevents any flushing fluid from reaching themotor cavity.

Motor 150, sump pump 151 and flush pump 152 are mounted within aseparate casing 163a-163c which is in turn secured to the mainstructural walls of the closet as indicated at 164 and by an exteriorperipheral flange 165. Thus the entire pump unit, including the pumpmotor, the sump pump, the flush pump, and the clutch means may bequickly and easily removed as a single unit for repair or replacement.In the preferred embodiment casing l63a-l63c is formed of a moldedsynthetic resin.

Motor 150 also drives the flush pump 152 through shaft 168, drive pulley169, timing belt 154, and clutch means 153. Shaft means 168 is journaledfor rotation within bearing 167. Motor 150 is secured within pump casing163a by virtue of the shaft bearings 161 and 167 and the downwardpressure exerted by resilient spring means 166.

Clutch means 153 drives the flush pump 152 through an elongate shaft 170which is journaled for rotation within bearings 171 and 172. Shaft 170is also keyed to a driven wheel 173 as indicated by key portion 174.Driven wheel 173 is driven by an intermediate cogwheel 175 which has atleast one downwardly projecting cog means 176 which extends through anopening 177 defined within driven wheel 173. The intermediate cogwheelalso defines a sleeved portion 175a which is free to reciprocate alongan upwardly extending shaft portion 173a that surrounds shaft 170 andextends upwardly therefrom. Cog 176 normally protrudes downwardly into adriving wheel 178 which has a plurality of pockets 179 formed therein toreceive the cogs 176. In the preferred embodiment, three cogs and threepockets are spaced equidistantly around the wheels.

The engagement of clutch is regulated by control arm 180 which ispivoted about pivot point 181 and connected to an electrical solenoidplunger 182. Control arm 180 is resiliently biased to its downwardposition by means of spring 181. When the windings 183 of the electricalsolenoid are energized, the magnetic force draws solenoid plunger 182downwardly thereby pivoting control arm 180 about pivot point 181 andlifting the intermediate cog wheel 175 by means of a flange portion l75bwhich extends outwardly from the sleeve portion 175a. As theintermediate cog wheel is lifted upwardly, the cog member 176 clears thedriving wheel 178, and the cogs 176 no longer engage the voids 179. Whenthe clutch is thus disengaged, the driving wheel 178 merely idles aboutshaft 170 and no driving force is transmitted thereto. When solenoidmeans 183 is tie-energized, spring means 181 will return the control arm180 to the position illustrated in FIG. and the cogs 176 will once againengage the driving wheel 178 to thereby drive the driven wheel 173 andshaft 170.

The flush pump 152 also includes an impeller housing 190, an impeller191, and an intake opening 192 for pumping the flushing fluid throughthe flush conduit 33.

While we have thus described the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, many variations may be suggested to those skilled in the art.it must therefore be understood that the foregoing description isintended to be illustrative only, and not limitive of our invention, andall such variations and modifications as are in accord with theprinciples described above are meant to fall within the scope of theappended claims.

I claim:

1. A sanitary closet comprising a. a bowl portion having a bottomoutlet,

b. a waste receptacle positioned below said bowl for receiving liquidand solid waste admitted to said bowl and passing through said bottomoutlet,

c. closure means operable between open and closed positions forselectively permitting solid and liquid waste to pass from said bowl tosaid waste receptacle,

d. means defining a separate reservoir for flushing fluid, saidreservoir being positioned above said bowl outlet and around said bowlportion,

e. sump means positioned below said bowl outlet and about said wastereceptacle for collecting flushing fluid when said closure means isclosed,

f. means defining a separate flow path for said flushing fluid from saidbowl to said sump when said closure means is in a closed position,thereby bypassing said waste receptacle,

g. pump means for forcing said fluid from said reservoir to said bowl toflush said bowl, said means also defining a separate flow path to returnsaid flushing fluid from said sump to said reservoir.

2. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pump meansincludes a first pump means for forcing said flushing fluid to saidbowl, and a second pump means positioned within said sump for returningthe collected and separated flushing fluid to said reservoir.

3. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 2 which further includes asequence control means for selectively operating said flushing pump andsaid sump pump.

4. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 3 which further includes aclutch means for connecting said flush pump to said sump pump during aportion of the timed period in which the sump pump is operating.

5. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 3 wherein said closure means isselectively closed by said sequence control means.

6. A sanitary closet comprising:

a. a bowl portion having a bottom outlet,

b. a waste receptacle positioned below said bowl for receiving liquidand solid wastes admitted to said bowl and passing through said bottomoutlet,

c. closure means operable between open and closed positions forselectively permitting solid and liquid wastes to pass from said bowl tosaid waste receptacle,

d. means defining a separate reservoir for flushing fluid, saidreservoir being positioned around said bowl portion and above said bowloutlet,

e. sump means positioned below said bowl outlet and above said wastereceptacle for collecting flushing fluid when said closure means is inits closed position,

f. means defining a separate flow path for said flushing fluid from saidhow] to said sump when said closure means is in its closed position,said flushing fluid thereby bypassing said waste receptacle,

g. first pump means for forcing said fluid from said fluid reservoir tosaid bowl to flush said bowl,

h. second pump means located within said sump for returning flushingfluid collected in said sump means to said fluid reservoir,

. sequencing control means to selectively energize said first pump meansand said second pump means, said timing means also including means forselectively closing said closure means.

7. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 6 wherein a second closuremeans is positioned between said first closure and saidwaste receptacle.

8. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 7 wherein said second closuremeans comprises three pivoted closure segments, said segments beingnormally biased to a closed position, said segments being biased to anopen position by the weight of the liquid and solid waste passing fromsaid bowl to said waste receptacle.

9. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 6 wherein said sequence controlmeans includes timing means for timing a plurality of predeterminedintervals after said means is activated, said timer means on atsuccessive intervals controlling operation of said toilet as follows:

1. opening said closure means,

2. energizing said first and said second pump means for a predeterminedtime interval while said closure means is opened,

3. closing said closure means,

4. energizing said first and said second pump means for a predeterminedtime interval when said closure means is closed,

5. de-energizing said first pump means while continuing to operate saidsecond pump means for a predetermined time interval.

10. A sanitary closet comprising a. at least one bowl portion, said bowldefining a waste outlet and a flushing fluid inlet,

b. a flushing fluid reservoir positioned around said bowl portion,

c. at least one closure means for selectively closing said waste outlet,

(1. a flushing means for supplying a flushing fluid to said fluid inletand said bowl portion,

e. sump means below said bowl portion rendered effective only when saidclosure means is in its closed position to collect said flushing fluidpassing through said bowl portion, f. means for conveying the flushingfluid collected in said sump to said reservoir,

g. sequencing control means for selectively operating said flushingmeans, said control means having a spring driven timing cam and a dashpot retarder which cooperate to define the timing interval for saidflushing means.

11. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 10 which further comprises alinkage means for simultaneously opening said closure means and windingsaid spring driven timing cam.

12. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 11 which further comprises alid for said closet, said lid being operative'ly connected to saidlinkage means to simultaneously open said closure and wind said springmeans when said lid is opened.

13. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 12 wherein said lid opens saidclosure through said linkage means,

and said timer closes said shutter through a release cam means.

14. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 10 wherein said sequencingcontrol means further comprises a. a first rotatable timing shaft, saidshaft having a linkage means connected thereto,

b. rotatable cam means mounted on said timing shaft,

c. resilient means interconnecting said cam and said shaft,

d. latch means for engaging said rotatable cam means after the rotationof said cam to a first position.

15. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 14 wherein said dash pot isconnected to said rotatable cam to retard the loading and unloading ofsaid spring means, said dash pot retarding the rotation of said camafter said latch means has been disengaged.

16. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 14 wherein said rotatable cammeans engages an electrical switch means for activating and deactivatingsaid flushing means.

17. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 14 wherein said rotatable cammeans has first and second axial portions, said portions beinginterconnected to one another by an axially operable release cam means,said first portion being fixably attached to a sleeve surrounding saidrotatable shaft, said second portion being rotatably mounted on saidshaft and restrained in its rotation by the operation of said dash pot.

1. A sanitary closet comprising a. a bowl portion having a bottomoutlet, b. a waste receptacle positioned below said bowl for receivingliquid and solid waste admitted to said bowl and passing through saidbottom outlet, c. closure means operable between open and closedpositions for selectively permitting solid and liquid waste to pass fromsaid bowl to said waste receptacle, d. means defining a separatereservoir for flushing fluid, said reservoir being positioned above saidbowl outlet and around said bowl portion, e. sump means positioned belowsaid bowl outlet and about said waste receptacle for collecting flushingfluid when said closure means is closed, f. means defining a separateflow path for said flushing fluid from said bowl to said sump when saidclosure means is in a closed position, thereby bypassing said wastereceptacle, g. pump means for forcing said fluid from said reservoir tosaid bowl to flush said bowl, said means also defining a separate flowpath to return said flushing fluid from said sump to said reservoir. 1.opening said closure means,
 2. energizing said first and said secondpump means for a predetermined time interval while said closure means isopened,
 2. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pumpmeans includes a first pump means for forcing said flushing fluid tosaid bowl, and a second pump means positioned within said sump forreturning the collected and separated flushing fluid to said reservoir.3. A sanitary closet as claimed in Claim 2 which further includes asequence control means for selectively operating said flushing pump andsaid sump pump.
 3. closing said closure means,
 4. energizing said firstand said second pump means for a predetermined time interval when saidclosure means is closed,
 4. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 3which further includes a clutch means for connecting said flush pump tosaid sump pump during a portion of the timed period in which the sumppump is operating.
 5. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 3 whereinsaid closure means is selectively closed by said sequence control means.5. de-energizing said first pump means while continuing to operate saidsecond pump means for a predetermined time interval.
 6. A sanitarycloset comprising: a. a bowl portion having a bottom outlet, b. a wastereceptacle positioned below said bowl for receiving liquid and solidwastes admitted to said bowl and passing through said bottom outlet, c.closure means operable between open and closed positions for selectivelypermitting solid and liquid wastes to pass from said bowl to said wastereceptacle, d. means defining a separate reservoir for flushing fluid,said reservoir being positioned around said bowl portion and above saidbowl outlet, e. sump means positioned below said bowl outlet and abovesaid waste receptacle for collecting flushing fluid when said closuremeans is in its closed position, f. means defining a separate flow pathfor said flushing fluid from said bowl to said sump when said closuremeans is in its closed position, said flushing fluid thereby bypassingsaid waste receptacle, g. first pump means for forcing said fluid fromsaid fluid reservoir to said bowl to flush said bowl, h. second pumpmeans located within said sump for returning flushing fluid collected insaid sump means to said fluid reservoir, i. sequencing control means toselectively energize said first pump means and said second pump means,said timing means also including means for selectively closing saidclosure means.
 7. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 6 wherein asecond closure means is positioned between said first closure and saidwaste receptacle.
 8. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 7 whereinsaid second closure means comprises three pivoted closure segments, saidsegments being normally biased to a closed position, said segments beingbiased to an open position by the weight of the liquid and solid wastepassing from said bowl to said waste receptacle.
 9. A sanitary closet asclaimed in claim 6 wherein said sequence control means includes timingmeans for timing a plurality of predetermined intervals after said meansis activated, said timer means on at successive intervals controllingoperation of said toilet as follows:
 10. A sanitary closet comprising a.at least one bowl portion, said bowl defining a waste outlet and aflushing fluid inlet, b. a flushing fluid reservoir positioned aroundsaid bowl portion, c. at least one closure means for selectively closingsaid waste outlet, d. a flushing means for supplying a flushing fluid tosaid fluid inlet and said bowl portion, e. sump means below said bowlportion rendered effective only when said closure means is in its closedposition to collect said flushing fluid passing through said bowlportion, f. means for conveying the flushing fluid collected in saidsump to said reservoir, g. sequencing control means for selectivelyoperating said flushing means, said control means having a spring driventiming cam and a dash pot retarder which cooperate to define the timinginterval for said flushing means.
 11. A sanitary closet as claimed inclaim 10 which further comprises a linkage means for simultaneouslyopening said closure means and winding said spring driven timing cam.12. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 11 which further comprises alid for said closet, said lid being operatively connected to saidlinkage means to simultaneously open said closure and wind said springmeans when said lid is opened.
 13. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim12 wherein said lid opens said closure through said linkage means, andsaid timer closes said shutter through a release cam means.
 14. Asanitary closet as claimed in claim 10 wherein said sequencing controlmeans further comprises a. a first rotatable timing shaft, said shafthaving a linkage means connected thereto, b. rotatable cam means mountedon said timing shaft, c. resilient means interconnecting said cam andsaid shaft, d. latch means for engaging said rotatable cam means afterthe rotation of said cam to a first position.
 15. A sanitary closet asclaimed in claim 14 wherein said dash pot is connected to said rotatablecam to retard the loading and unloading of said spring means, said dashpot retarding the rotation of said cam after said latch means has beendisengaged.
 16. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 14 wherein saidrotatable cam means engages an electrical switch means for activatingand deactivating said flushing means.
 17. A sanitary closet as claimedin claim 14 wherein said rotatable cam means has first and second axialportions, said portions being interconnected to one another by anaxially operable release cam means, said first portion being fixablyattached to a sleeve surrounding said rotatable shaft, said secondportion being rotatably mounted on said shaft and restrained in itsrotation by the operation of said dash pot.